When do you need a Tax Attorney?

Seeking the help of an accountant or tax
preparer is one of the best ways to identify deductions, reduce tax liability
and make sure your return is correct before filing with the IRS.

But every now and then, something happens that
forces a big change in your tax situation. And when a new life event or
multi-layered business dealing rears its head and shakes things up, the tax
consequences can be significant, posing a challenge that is often best
addressed by the expertise, guidance and support of a professional tax
attorney.

What do tax attorneys do?

As specialists in tax law, tax attorneys focus on handling the many complex legal and technical problems associated with your unique tax situation. Typically, a tax law attorney has extensive, advanced training in the many facets of the IRS tax code and utilizes this knowledge to help minimize any tax consequences you face when it’s time to file.

A tax attorney can step in and provide guidance
during any number of tax-specific situations. In some cases, tax attorneys are
brought in to manage an existing tax issue and see you through to the best
result possible, such as during an IRS audit, or if you owe taxes and do
not have the means to pay.

Whatever the reason, tax attorneys are often a
crucial if not necessary resource of help during complex tax matters, providing
a level of expertise hard to find anywhere else.

When do you need a tax attorney?

There are certain situations in which hiring a
tax attorney is not only recommended, but more-or-less essential to achieving a
satisfactory outcome.

You may need the help of a tax lawyer if:

Setting up or selling a business almost always
comes with significant tax consequences, no matter the type or size of the
enterprise. A tax attorney can advise you on the best way to structure your new
firm or minimize your tax exposure during the sale, helping you identify every
option available and weigh the tax benefits vs. the drawbacks before moving
forward.

The different types of business entities a tax
lawyer may walk you through before starting your new venture include:

Limited Liability Company

S-corporation

C-corporation

If you’re running an international business, a
business tax attorney can be indispensable in terms of:

Tracking and reporting income

Contract negotiations

Any other tax matter you face along the way

You owe a lot of money to the IRS

Many people and businesses owe back taxes to
the state or federal government. And in some cases, that problem can be handled
and paid back on your own, such as through one of several long-term installment
agreements available through the IRS.

But when you owe a lot of money, things can
become a bit more complicated. And often the best way to solve such a
significant tax debt is to hire an experienced tax attorney—someone who knows
how to deal with the IRS and help you hammer out an agreement that makes the
payment process a little easier.

Tax attorneys can work with the IRS to set up
a more manageable installment plan, or even to negotiate an offer in compromise
that can reduce the full amount of taxes, interest and penalties you may now
owe. A tax attorney’s knowledge of how the IRS operates and where the wiggle
room is can be invaluable in this scenario.

You’re facing an audit

An IRS audit can be a painful, time-consuming
process, putting undue strain on your family and providing plenty of room to
make mistakes that result in greater IRS penalties.

A tax attorney can help you avoid further
errors and ensure the IRS is getting everything it needs to complete its
review—as well as to negotiate a compromise and reasonable payment plan should
you face additional tax debt.

And if you want to contest the results once
it’s finished, tax attorneys are in the perfect position to protect your
interests and rights throughout the audit appeals process.

You have tax-related legal issues

A qualified tax attorney can provide a
much-needed resource of representation and guidance during tax-related
litigation, helping resolve any issues you may have with the IRS if and when
they land you in the courtroom.

For example, if the IRS is investigating you
for a crime as serious as tax evasion or fraud, having a seasoned tax
lawyer is not only recommended but essential to guarantee you’re getting a fair
shake throughout the process.

Any number of behaviors may be considered
tax fraud by the IRS, including:

Filing a return using another
person’s name,

Intentionally underreporting
your income, or

Claiming deductions you weren’t
eligible for

Without a seasoned tax attorney at your side,
you could be facing the almost endless resources and investigatory power of the
IRS by yourself. In turn, this may significantly reduce your odds for avoiding
large IRS penalties and achieving an acceptable outcome.

Need back tax help in Kansas City? Bank account levied in Kansas City? Paycheck garnished in Kansas City? Lien on business or home in Kansas City? If
you or a client need help fighting off the IRS, call Jeffrey R. Siegel, your
Kansas City tax attorney. We help with
IRS liens, wage garnishments, levies, offers in compromise, innocent spouse
relief, federal employment tax, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty and installment
agreements. Bring back some stability to
your life, and call (913) 735-4829.

The hiring of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice, or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the author. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this Website without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state. Jeffrey R. Siegel is licensed to practice law in Kansas, Missouri, California, Colorado and Maryland.